Flowers!  Can’t help but smile when you walk by a colorful floral garden, a unique centerpiece or receive a blooming arrangement that fills your space with a soft, fresh scent.  Waldo has a new flower shop, Botanica Flower Studio at 7443 Broadway—and I stopped by last week to find out more.

Owner Heather Coones has been a florist for eighteen years.  Back in her college days at K State, she would walk the campus dreaming of owning her own shop.  She earned a degree in geography as she loves to travel—and eventually got a job at The Fiddly Fig.  After a while, she struck out on her own, doing wedding and special events out of her Leawood home.  Finally, she just fulfilled her dream and opened the small shop, sandwiched between Hiles Two and Soap Station, a couple of storefronts south of Waldo Pizza.  Heather grew up in Brookside, and explained why she picked this Waldo spot: “ I love this area.  It’s a good location and I know the community supports local businesses.  There is easy access to many special event locations.  And I like to connect with people on a daily basis—flowers make people happy!”.

I asked Heather what makes her bouquets and arrangements different from others.  Her approach is to offer a “really good value. When you order from me, I look at what flowers and greenery are at their best at the time, and I get my product from local growers as well as wholesalers.  I like unique color combinations; I use lots of different textures, incorporating greens and herbs.  I like to use flowers and greens that you don’t always see in a shop.   The trend  in arrangements now  is the loose, gathered garden look —not a tight, stiff, rounded  arrangement.  I like to work with my customers to create something different that still looks fresh, eye catching and expressive.”

Botanica Flower Studio also has several kinds of vases and potted plants for sale; Heather plans to add Cedar Street Toffee treats for sale if you want to add sweets to your bouquet!  Behind the store is a shady, cozy, open air patio that’s available for small private wedding showers.  Current hours at the shop are 12-5 Monday through Friday; delivery is available.  The best way to order a single special bouquet or arrangement right now is to email Heather from the website—however, walk ins are welcome! 

Botanica Flower Studio is located at 7443 Broadway in wonderful Waldo!